By Emma Ihemeje
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish Fegge, Onitsha, in Anambra State, recently celebrated its 70th year foundation anniversary. The event was attended by top government officials from Anambra State, including the state deputy governor, APGA national chairman, commissioner of information, majority leader in the state legislature, and the Onitsha North L.G.A. chairman, Hon. Tony Nwora.
Speaking at the occasion, Rev. Fr. Sampson Ogbuebuna, parish priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish Fegge, Onitsha, commended all the priests and parishioners who have contributed to the progress and growth of the church. He pledged to raise the church to the next level of development with necessary rehabilitation and installations.
Rev. Fr. Ogbuebuna expressed appreciation for the high-level attendance of government officials from the government of Prof. Charles Soludo. He revealed that all funds realized from the foundation anniversary would be spent on rehabilitating the old church.
Hon. Uche Chris Umennakenyi, chairman of the ceremony, expressed happiness with the caliber of dignitaries from the state government who attended the event. He described Rev. Fr. Ogbuebuna as a workaholic who has come to work for the overall development of the parish with tenacity of purpose.
Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, a special guest of honor, described Fegge as a special constituency where almost all the government officials at the ceremony were born and brought up. He pledged not to relent in his contributions towards the progress and growth of the church.
Chief Mrs. Emelia Ezeokenwa, former chairman of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Onitsha South Local Government Area, pledged to ensure that all those who promised to support the church rehabilitation fulfilled their promises.
The high point of the ceremony was the donation of funds by the parishioners and guests The event also featured an award-giving ceremony, where many distinguished persons were honored, including Hon. Emma Anagor of the Tools and Allied Products Association Limited, Onitsha.
